DSS BP/W

[Joew]

Well, I've offically joined the Dark Side. My DSS single tank rig is in the mail. I'll post a review with pics once I get it set up and put a few dives on it. [img]smileys/smiley4.gif[/img]

[Judestudio]

What did you get? [img]smileys/smiley2.gif[/img]

[Joew]

Large SS plate w/ hog harness and 26# Torus wing. I'm really looking forward to getting it in the water. I feel like a kid on Christmas Eve right now. [img]smileys/smiley4.gif[/img]

[cummings66]

To me the only thing I've ever wondered is why they cost so much for so little. But then the advantages are no matter how fat or skinny I get, it will grow or shrink with me. If I want to dive doubles no biggie, just a different wing.
<DIV></DIV>
<DIV>They are very versatile and will last a long time. Some things that take a while to get used to are the shorter inflator hoses you find on them, technical divers tend to be rather streamlined and don't have hoses flopping all over the place and so the design incorporates that element.</DIV>
<DIV></DIV>
<DIV>It's a good idea, but it will take a bit to get used to. Note, not all technical divers use a BP/W, and a BP/W does not a technical diver make. I'm recreational right now and just happen to prefer the BP/W.</DIV>

[Joew]

Originally Posted by cummings66

To me the only thing I've ever wondered is why they cost so much for so little.

I know what you mean, but I thought about it and a good conventional BC would cost about the same. I think the DSS rig is a good value, but other BP/W setups are definitely overpriced (cough, Halcyon, cough cough).

[mwhities]

http://mwhities.dirdivers.com/index.php?level=album&amp;id=1

That's my DSS BP/W. Long pattern ss plate with a 30# LCD and Hog Harness.

I LOVE it!

Michael

[Joew]

Thanks for posting the link, Michael. You're rig looks nice; can't wait 'til mine gets here.

[mwhities]

No problem. Thanks!

I didn't make it look nice.. Tobin athttp://www.deepseasupply.com did that.

Michael

[Vercingetorix]

Originally Posted by cummings66

To me the only thing I've ever wondered is why they cost so much for so little. But then the advantages are no matter how fat or skinny I get, it will grow or shrink with me. If I want to dive doubles no biggie, just a different wing.

Actually, you're paying about same as standard BCD. However, you're not paying for all the frills, such as D-rings where you don't want them, bulky pockets, multi-piece harness, etc.
<DIV></DIV>
<DIV>Instead, you're paying for just the important components: the wing and backplate. Even then, the backplate is cheap; my HammeHead SS BP was only $100 and that included the SS STA. My GolemGear 35# wing has lifetime guarantee and is built like a tank. Damned-near impossible to puncture. Repairs to the bladder can be made with a inner-tube repair kit. The harness is $10 and can be repaired by me without sending back to factory. My wing was on sale for $350 (down from $530).</DIV>

[cummings66]

Of course the wing is the high dollar item. To be honest on a BP/W I see no reason for anybody other than myself to maintain them. They're so simple with almost nothing to go wrong that an average joe should be able to maintain the things.